Basic equipment for new hunter

[loliveros]

Hello,

I wanted to know what equipment you would consider a must have for a hunter that is just starting out. Any other recommendations in regard to what every beginner hunter should do are welcome as well.

Thank you in advance.

[finsfurfeathers]

Hunting license.
Other than that without knowing what your hunting or how you are hunting it can't really say.

[Bushmoose]

You should try to be more specific about what and how you hope to hunt? Bow? Rifle? Deer? Moose? Migratory birds? Lots of good knowledgeable folks on here will offer some good advice if they know what your plans are.

[greatwhite]

Are you planning to hunt Migratory Game, Deer, Moose, small game like grouse and rabbits?

What areas do you intend to hunt. Some areas for deer hunting are shotgun only.

[loliveros]

Hi all,

Good points. I am going to start out hunting small game, and maybe a turkey if time permits. In the future, I would like to work up to a deer.

[finsfurfeathers]

Upland than a good pair of hiking boots is a must, however a good pair of rubber boots will get you into some wet areas

[tom gobble]

For Small game, I would suggest rubber boots. With the rubbers at least if you get into wet areas your good. Also for spring turkey they will do double duty. Shotgun of some sort with interchangeable chokes. This way your covered for multiple game including deer. Some camo for turkey at the least to get you started. But if I could make one suggestion is to buy stuff once. I learned the hard way. Don’t waste your money and buy things that you will have to upgrade in a year, it will cost you more at the end.

[Birdbuff]

If it’s small game you’re after, then keep it simple.

1. Good rubber boots (comfortable and durable)
2. Reliable shotgun (get out for some clay target shooting to better acquaint yourself with your gun)
3. A blaze orange hat and game vest (I prefer the ones with the game pouch in the back for those long walks)
4. A decent knife for cleaning your game (lots of YouTube videos on how to field dress game for the cooler, I like to carry a pair of fiskars pruners for cutting wing bones or tough leg bones)
5. Safety glasses (some of the scrub we kick up or push through is tight and no one likes a stick to the eye)
6. A reliable means to navigate yourself back to your truck should you decided to venture off the beaten path (ie. smart phone if signal is available, gps, or compass) if going alone, let someone know your general whereabouts
7. Good clothes for the seasons and terrain
8. A nalgene or other water bottle to stay hydrated.
9. A positive attitude. Ok so you can’t buy this in a store, but being positive and willing to learn from your mistakes will make you a better hunter.
10. Depending on how far you are from camp or home, having a little cooler to keep your meat from spoiling is a good idea.

I think these are the basics.

[Marker]

A flashlight and two methods of navigation, with one being a compass. Don't rely solely on anything that takes batteries.

[trimmer21]

A flashlight and two methods of navigation, with one being a compass. Don't rely solely on anything that takes batteries.

^^^^^^ What he said. ^^^^^^ I would only add to have a topo map or even a simple directional map of the area you intend to hunt to use with your compass (notice I only mentioned compass. I have ZERO faith in any electronic device because of it's ability to not work when you need them the most.)